Looking for great holiday decorating ideas or just an enjoyable way to get into the holiday spirit? Then be sure to come see Christmas at The Fells: Deck the Halls. The Fells’ Main House will be delightfully transformed into a holiday showcase and open for touring from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, as well as Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16.

Once the splendid summer home of the Hay family, The Fells Historic Estate and Gardens in Newbury offers the perfect setting for this biennial holiday event. From its Pebble Court entrance to the elegant Panel Room to the bedroom where President Theodore Roosevelt slept, each of the 22 rooms is decorated with a uniquely different twist to the theme of Deck the Halls.

Professional decorators, local businesses, and talented volunteers include: Art of Nature, Bob Behrens, Darlene Behrens, Janet Bliss, Mary Kay Button, The Calico Hen, Susan Elliott, Lois Flanders, Forest Cone and Evergreen Shop, From House Too Home, Holdsworth Interiors, Kathan Gardens, Barbara Hunting, Thea Lahti, Lisa Ulf Architectural Interiors, Iiz Hause Design, Morgan Hill Bookstore, Newbury Beautification Committee, Veronica Peterson, Kate Phelan, Betty Raby, Alison Vernon, Ann Wallace, Ellen Wassell, and Sandy Wells.

There is also a wonderful Holiday Boutique filled with delightful gifts from the finest local artisans for your holiday shopping. This year, the Holiday Boutique will be both weekends (with a ticket) and Monday through Friday, November 10 through 14, from 11 AM to 3 PM (with no ticket necessary).

The Fells estate dates back to 1891, when statesman John Milton Hay established a summer retreat on Lake Sunapee. Hay was private secretary to Abraham Lincoln and later Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. His son Clarence upgraded the estate’s Main House and added formal gardens.

So before you get caught up in a shopping frenzy and your calendar is filled with holiday parties, take time to relax and visit Christmas at The Fells. Tickets are $17.50 in advance through Friday, November 7, at TheFells.org or $22.50 at the door, $5 children. Private mid-week group tours are also available by reserving in advance. More information: 763-4789 or TheFells.org.